Miguel Lopez, president of the Mobile Food Vendor Association, speaks with Fresno Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez in March 2022. Photos by Edward Smith

During Thursday’s scheduled Fresno City Council meeting, members will consider a resolution seeking to amend the regulations pertaining to food vendors in city parks.

The goal of the resolution, proposed by Councilmembers Miguel Arias and Luis Chavez, aims to provide opportunities for vendors to operate within designated areas in all city parks throughout Fresno.

The resolution, aimed at permitting “non-motorized storefronts” no larger than eight feet by three feet, would allow vendors to sell between normal operating hours – 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. – provided they adhere to several other requirements laid out in the proposal.

“The City of Fresno embraces street vendors as an integral part of our economy,”  said District 3 Council Member Miguel Arias. “In taking this leap forward, utilizing 1,500 acres of City green space, this action presents more business opportunities for mobile food vendors while ensuring the safety of our residents and micro-business owners alike.”

The city encourages its residents and visitors to support licensed and permitted vendors, citing their contributions to the city’s entrepreneurship opportunities in a safe manner.

Under the proposal, approved vendors will be able to be identified by an “Authorized, City of Fresno, Green Space, Local Business” sticker and ID badge.